USA vs. The World Press Conference Quotes

4/25/2014

Ajee’ Wilson, Team USA women’s sprint medley relay

On juggling a full-time professional career and being in college full-time:

“It’s been great so far. I moved in May from New Jersey. It all took a little getting used to because everything is a little different. Taking public transportation for the first time and going to school with more than 65 people. Philly has been good, there are lots of different places to train. The city has been great to me.”

On what her goals are for 2014:

“My goal is to get better every year, learn to become a better racer and be more in the mix in Diamond League meets.”

On the prospect of running in World Relays:

“If selected, I’d run the 4x8 and I’m looking forward to the opportunity. The fact that it’s in the Bahamas? Even better. It’ll be fun to be a part of a team with people I’ve raced against the last two years and people I’ve been on Team USA with. It’ll be fun and a great opportunity.”

On racing at Penn Relays as a professional:

“I’ve been racing at Penn Relays since freshman year in high school. It was the biggest deal when I was in high school. It means so much to go from watching USA vs. The World from the nosebleed seats as a high schooler to now be on the field and be able to race. It’s amazing and a great honor. (Philadelphia) is my second home. This meet is really special for me.”

Justin Gatlin, Team USA men’s 4x100

On turning 32 in February:

“Don’t put me out to pasture just yet. It feels like I have more energy in my legs. I’m 32 but feel 26 and still feel good. I’ve got lots of spring in my step. For goals I want to accomplish, I want to do what I don’t think any 32-year-old has done. Stay focused and stay diligent with my diet, eat vegetables. I want to make every year better than the last until it’s time to retire.”

On 2014 being an “off” year:

“Usually during an Olympic or World Championship year, that takes the forefront on your goals. Sometimes you have to peak at a certain time or stay in shape and get ready at a certain point at the year. In an off year like this, you can explore your talent a little more. Run how you want to. I want to break the American record in the 100 meters this year. Hopefully this puts me in a good position to be one of the big dogs next year for the World Championships. I wanted to do the 400 a little earlier in the season but that plan kind of changed a little bit.”

On the prospect of running in World Relays:

“I want to run the 4x100 at World Relays and sneak onto a 4x200. I’ve never won a gold medal in the 4x100 from high school to my professional career, so I’m setting my sights on a gold medal.”

On rivalry between Team USA and Jamaica:

“The competition between the U.S. and Jamaica is special every year because it’s not individual vs. individual, it’s country vs. country and in good taste. A lot of countries should support their athletes and I enjoy getting to see (all the rivalries). I get a little haggling from the Jamaicans but they want to see a good show. Win or lose, they want a good show. I’ll be in Jamaica next week. They say I have a lot of fans in Jamaica so I’ll see them there. It’ll be a good race. I’ve watched a lot of athletes open up and compete well in Jamaica.”

Manteo Mitchell, Team USA men’s distance medley relay

On training for USA vs. The World:

“Training has been going well. Life is a little different after running on a broken leg at the Olympics. I’m enjoying my time raising my son. He’s 17 months and it’s fun seeing him grow. He’s starting to run, so that’s been exciting. As far as being here, I’m excited to do something a little different with the distance medley relay. I’m more known for the 4x4. We want to beat the American record and try to tackle the world record.”

On goals for 2014:

“I want consistency and just get back to where I was before my injury. I want to stay in the 44 range and be competitive in the Diamond League.”

On the prospect of running in World Relays:

“I’m in a pool for the 4x4 and I’d love to be selected. I think it would be a good opportunity. I went to the Bahamas last year and ran in my good friend Chris Brown’s meet down there and it was an awesome opportunity.”